Women’s soccer | A 1-1 draw between Canada and Mexico

(Toronto) Canada had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Mexico in women’s soccer on Tuesday, during the second and final match of the friendly series between the two nations.

Kadeisha Buchanan hit the mark for Canada, ninth in the world rankings.

Jacqueline Ovalle fought back for Mexico, 31^e in FIFA and third in CONCACAF, after Canada and the Americans.

It was the Canadian women’s final home game before heading to Europe to defend their Olympic title at the Paris Games next month.

The maple leaf blanked Mexico 2-0 on Saturday in Montreal.

Tuesday, the Canadians scored in the 48th^e minute when Buchanan scored on a header, after a cross from Shelina Zadorsky.

Mexico responded to the 70^e minute, with a superb long shot from Ovalle.

Canada has until July 3 to name its list of 22 players, including four substitutes, with a view to Paris.

The team is scheduled to play its final preparatory matches in Europe from July 8 to 16, just before the Olympic tournament.

Tuesday’s game drew an enthusiastic crowd of 18,805 to BMO Field.

The Canadians will begin their Olympic title defense on July 25 against New Zealand before finishing Group A matches against France on July 28 and Colombia on July 31.